Ukraine war live: Putin U-turns on Zelensky talks ahead of London peace summit

Russian president Vladimir Putin has for the first time proposed direct peace talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Putin has previously claimed he would only negotiate peace with Ukraine if the country held elections to form a new government, a factor that has frustrated US president Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a quick ceasefire deal.

The new statement from the Russian president came as representatives from Ukraine, the UK, France and the US were set to meet in London on Wednesday to continue talks on a potential ceasefire.

While Mr Zelensky did not directly respond to Mr Putin’s proposal, he emphasised in his nightly video address that Ukraine "was ready for any conversation" that would stop strikes on civilians.

“Actions always speak louder than words,” he posted on X.

Russia has resumed its aerial attacks on Ukraine after a 30-hour Easter truce, declared by Moscow over the weekend, which both sides accused each other of violating. At least three people were killed in a Russian strike in the southern Kherson region on Monday.